CVE-2025-43731 in Liferay
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2025
A reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Liferay Portal 7.4.0 through 7.4.3.132, and Liferay DXP 2025.Q1.0 through 2025.Q1.8, 2024.Q4.0 through 2024.Q4.7, 2024.Q3.1 through 2024.Q3.13, 2024.Q2.0 through 2024.Q2.13, 2024.Q1.1 through 2024.Q1.16 and 7.4 GA through update 92 allows an remote authenticated user to inject JavaScript in message board threads and categories.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2025
This reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP platforms affecting multiple version ranges including 7.4.0 through 7.4.3.132 and various DXP quarterly releases from 2024.Q1.1 through 2025.Q1.8. The flaw specifically impacts the message board functionality where authenticated users can inject malicious JavaScript code into threads and categories. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic reflected XSS attack vector. The security implications are significant as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser when they view affected message board content.
The technical exploitation occurs when an authenticated user submits malicious input through message board threads or categories that gets reflected back to other users without proper sanitization or encoding. This creates a persistent XSS vulnerability where the injected JavaScript executes in the victim's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or redirect them to malicious sites. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload is immediately reflected back to users without being stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous for real-time communication platforms like message boards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it compromises the integrity of user communications within the portal environment. Attackers could manipulate message board content to spread malicious payloads, conduct phishing attacks, or steal sensitive information from authenticated users. The vulnerability affects multiple quarterly releases and major versions, indicating a widespread exposure across the Liferay ecosystem. This creates a substantial risk for organizations relying on Liferay portals for internal communications, customer support, or community engagement where message boards serve as primary interaction channels.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied content in message board functionalities. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves credential access through social engineering, where this vulnerability could be exploited to harvest user sessions. Security teams should also consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution and regular security assessments of portal components. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and following secure coding practices that prevent reflected XSS in web applications, particularly in community-driven features like message boards that frequently process user input.